Update: Last night’s Listening Session that was to be hosted by the City of Springfield was canceled due to low response. There were only two people signed up to speak.
Two more sessions are planned for November 9th and 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. at Drury’s Wilhoit Theatre. Those sessions will be livestreamed on Facebook and on the City of Springfield’s website.
According to city officials, the listening sessions are being held so citizens have a chance to address City Council on the topics of crime, race relations and race relations and policing.
The two who were scheduled to speak last night will speak at the meetings in November.
Original Story: Springfield City Council wants to hear what the public thinks about three topics: Crime, community race relations and race relations and policing.
It’s holding three in-person listening sessions beginning Monday, October 26.
A scientific survey on related issues is being commissioned, according to city officials. But the process will take several months. In the meantime, city officials want to hear from the public about those topics.
The first listening session will be Monday night, October 26, from 6 to 8 in the Parkview High School Auditorium, 516 W. Meadowmere. Other listening sessions will be held at 6 p.m. on November 9 and November 23 at Drury’s Wilhoit Theater inside the Breech School of Business at Central and Drury Lane.
The sessions will be livestreamed on the City of Springfield’s Facebook page and at cityview.springfieldmo.gov.
Those who attend in person will undergo a short health screening. The meetings will be limited to 20 speakers each, and each person will have five minutes to speak. You can sign up to speak at springfieldmo.gov/councillisteningsignup or call (417) 864-1105. You can also share your thoughts on the topics with council via a Zoom session recording at springfieldmo.gov/recordingsession. You may also submit written comments at springfieldmo.gov/councillisteningcomments through November 28 at 5 p.m. Paper forms are available at Springfield-Greene County Library branches.
